For Immediate Release 1/19/12
11:30 a.m. Status Update:
Lane County is experiencing several areas of flooding due to severe weather including heavy rains and high winds.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has been collaborating closely with local jurisdictions and media to help inform affected local residents. The primary focus of the LSCO is to ensure the safety and well being of Lane County residents during this event. Voluntary evacuations have been advised. Community members are encouraged to stay with family or friends outside the flood affected area. The LCSO is also encouraging to make those arrangements during daylight hours as some river cresting isn’t anticipated until tonight. If people need assistance with transport out of your home please call 911.
Residents should still continue to use caution, watch for rising water, and other hazards such downed limbs, mud and rock slides, surface water. Please drive slowly and avoid any high water locations on roadways.
Mapleton Area: High tide occurred at 10:45 a.m. this morning. The Siuslaw River continues to rise to near-record flood levels. Mapleton residents have been encouraged to evacuate from flooded areas. The Florence Events Center is open and available for community members.
Currently Highway 126 at Cushman is closed. There is no alternate route.
Mohawk Valley Area: Voluntary evacuation of the Sunderman Road, Tree Farm Road, and Goats Road areas continue. Forecasters expect the Mohawk River to crest at 9 p.m., this evening. This means the river will raise another 3.5 feet based on National Weather Service river predictions. For Marcola area residents, the Briggs Middle School, located at 2355 Yolanda Street in Springfield, will be open at 4 p.m. today.
Noti, Poodle Creek, 126 Corridor from Badger Mountain east toward Veneta: Surrounding creeks and surface water are creating moderate flood conditions throughout this corridor. Residents in remote areas down by creeks should assess and evacuate as its anticipated areas will be impacted by an additional 1-2 feet of water. Cresting will probably not occur until after dark. For Veneta residents: The Community Center at 25192 E. Broadway in Veneta (behind the City’s community pool), will be open at 2 p.m. today as a shelter site.
Sand and Bags
Several locations are being made available for community members to get free sand and bags to safeguard their property. Through collaborative efforts of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Springfield, and South Lane Fire District, community members may collect free sand and bags at one of the following locations:
· Home Depot on Green Acres Road, Eugene.
· City of Springfield at 201 S. 18th
· Lane County Public Works shop located on 25398 Jeans Road, Veneta
· 233 Harrison Ave., Cottage Grove
Information on flooding and how to prepare can be found at www.lanecounty.org under “Flooding-Emergency Management” link under the current issues tab.
Regular status updates will be made available on the County website under the News & Information section. You can also follow updates on Facebook at Lane County Sheriff and Lane County Government.